Every roof needs to be inspected at least once a year for it to perform properly, because it will prevent premature failure and expensive leaks. No matter what type of roof you have installed or how great the builder was, every roof needs annual maintenance. There are several areas that require regular maintenance, but the frequency of the inspections will depend on your specific situation (though one year would be the bare minimum regardless of the circumstances).
A lot of people in South Texas live in the shade of a big oak tree. And while they look beautiful, they also produce a lot of leaves throughout the year. All of those falling leaves can fill up your gutters. They can also get into places that they don’t belong. And if they’re allowed to grow wild, it will hold water or even back it up. All of this water retention will eventually cause your roof to leak and your wood to rot. Sometimes, they only need to be cleared out three or four times a year. But in most cases, once or twice a year is adequate. There may be other maintenance areas that need to be checked as well.
Why Regular Roof Maintenance is Important
The most important reason for regular roof maintenance is that it can prevent serious problems, because you’ll be able to spot the warning signs and take care of them early. Not only will this maximize the lifespan of your roof, but it will also give you peace of mind. Here are some other reasons why you should perform regular maintenance on your roof:
- It can catch potential roof leaks — A minor issue can turn into a major problem if it’s left untouched. It may not manifest itself for another year or two, but it may only take six months. If you find a crack in your pipe boot, it would be a simple and inexpensive fix. But if you weren’t able to catch it because you didn’t do regular inspections, it can cause damage to your ceiling that would cost hundreds of dollars to fix.
- It will maximize the lifespan of your roof — After a roof has been installed, you want to get the most life out of it. And doing something as simple as an annual roof inspection will allow you to maximize its lifespan. Not only will it allow you to catch potential leaks, but it will also give you a chance to clear your roof and gutters of any debris.
- It will give you peace of mind — Installing a new roof can give you the peace of mind in knowing that you will have protection from what may fall from above, but the same is true for regular roof inspections. Your roofing contractor will be able to catch potential problems before they get worse. And after the inspection has been completed, you’ll know that your roof is running smoothly.
- It will stave off weather damage — While annual roof inspections are necessary for maintaining your roof’s structural integrity, it’s especially important if you live in an area that often experiences extreme weather conditions (such as heavy rainfall or high winds). Even if you live in a milder climate, an annual roof inspection can go a long way toward protecting it from UV damage.
- It will improve your curb appeal — Not only will regular roof maintenance extend its lifespan, but it will also help you to take care of any aesthetic issues (such as broken shingles). Your neighbors will thank you. And if you plan to sell your home, it will improve its resale value.
Be sure to speak to a professional to find out how often you should have your roof inspected.
Annual Roof Maintenance Checklist
If you need someone to help you with your regular maintenance, Bayfront Roofing has a team that can help you. Here is the roof maintenance checklist we use:
- Blow off leaves and debris from the roof.
- Clean out all the gutters to ensure proper water flow.
- Cover any exposed nails.
There are several areas on a roof where nails are purposely left exposed. They must be covered by a roof sealant every single year. Some of the other items we have on our checklist also include:
- Sealing off skylights at the top around the glass.
- Checking all of the flashing around chimneys, walls, and skylights.
- Checking the chimney cap to see if it’s rusted or properly secured.
- Cutting and removing tree limbs to make sure they don’t touch the roof.
If you’re looking for one of the best roofers in Corpus Christi to help you with your regular roof inspections, be sure to get in touch with Bayfront Roofing.
